(Wilmington, DE 19805) On Friday, April 17, 2026, at approximately 3:18 a.m., officers with the New Castle County Division of Police responded to the 400 block of South Scott Street for a report of a recently stolen Kia Optima.

While actively searching the area, an officer located the stolen Kia Optima and activated emergency equipment to initiate a traffic stop. The driver of the stolen vehicle refused to pull over and sped away as officers continued to follow. Shortly after, the stolen vehicle struck a tree in the Canby Park community. The driver then fled on foot; however, officers immediately pursued the suspect and took him into custody.

The suspect was identified as a 14-year-old male from Wilmington, Delaware.

The 14-year-old was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters, where he was charged with the following offenses:

• One felony count of possession of burglary tools

• One felony count of theft of a motor vehicle

• One felony count of conspiracy in the second degree

• Two misdemeanor counts of theft under $1,500

• One misdemeanor count of criminal mischief

• One misdemeanor count of resisting arrest

• One violation of loitering

The 14-year-old was arraigned by New Castle County Family Court and released on $13,000 unsecured bail.

A second juvenile who was with him was later released without charges.

(Newark, DE 19713) The New Castle County Division of Police has issued a Gold Alert for 90-year-old Stanley Mathis, who has been reported missing.

Stanley was last seen at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in the 150 block of Bear Christiana Road. He was expected to return to his residence in the 900 block of Linfield Road in Newark, but has not been seen or heard from since.

Stanley is described as 5’10” tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a gray suit jacket and gray pants. He was last seen driving a black 2008 Cadillac CTS bearing Delaware registration 515538.

Despite extensive efforts by officers, Stanley has not been located, and there is increasing concern for his health and safety.

Anyone with information regarding Stanley’s whereabouts is urged to contact the New Castle County Division of Police at (302) 573-2800 or call 911 immediately.

Victim: Delena “Dale” Gassaway, 24-year-old male

Date of Incident: April 16^th, 1982

Location: 1200 block of Kynlyn Drive, Wilmington, DE 19809

Community: Bellefonte

Investigation Details:

On April 16th, 1982, the 24-year-old victim, Delena “Dale” Gassaway, was discovered deceased from multiple stab wounds at his former girlfriend’s apartment in the Bellefonte community.

The victim, who lived in Chesapeake City, Maryland, was found partially clothed and covered in blood.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-395-8110 or email: Coldcase@Newcastlede.gov

The victims and families of our unsolved cases are not forgotten. Ongoing efforts by the New Castle County Division of Police and the Criminal Investigations Unit’s Cold Case Unit are being made to resolve each case. Additionally, if you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a violent crime or has lost a loved one to sudden death and needs assistance, the New Castle County Division of Police Victim Services Unit is available to offer you support and resources through (302)395-8000.

If you’d like to report information anonymously, Delaware Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization that offers cash rewards of up to $5,000 for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Be sure to retain your Tip ID and password to follow up, provide additional details, or claim a cash reward. Submit a tip by calling 1-800-TIP-3333, visiting www.delawarecrimestoppers.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app.